Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

American Window Systems, Inc. provides and installs energy-efficient replacement windows and doors for residential and commercial clients in Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. The family-owned and operated company is an authorized dealer for Simonton, Cascade, PlyGem, WeatherShield, Kolbe, Western Window Systems, Simpson Door Company and several other leading manufacturers. It can complete most installation jobs in one day, and it supplements its work with various warranties, including those that cover glass breakage and screen tear.

Owners Tom and Roberta Javorina say American Window Systems’ team is dedicated to making each client’s window installation experience a positive one. “Our sales staff is trained to help clients choose products that fit their needs and budgets, and our lead installers bring more than 50 years of combined industry experience to every job,” says Mrs. Javorina. “We work efficiently, carefully and respectfully to complete projects on schedule.”

American Window Systems emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction—approximately 80 percent of the company’s work comes from referrals, and Mrs. Javorina says it’s enjoyed a complaint-free streak on its contractor’s license of more than 35 years. “Our success is based on three factors: quality service, superior products and competitive prices.”

Company Profile

American Window Systems, Inc. provides and installs energy-efficient replacement windows and doors for residential and commercial clients in Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. The family-owned and operated company is an authorized dealer for Simonton, Cascade, PlyGem, WeatherShield, Kolbe, Western Window Systems, Simpson Door Company and several other leading manufacturers. It can complete most installation jobs in one day, and it supplements its work with various warranties, including those that cover glass breakage and screen tear.

Owners Tom and Roberta Javorina say American Window Systems’ team is dedicated to making each client’s window installation experience a positive one. “Our sales staff is trained to help clients choose products that fit their needs and budgets, and our lead installers bring more than 50 years of combined industry experience to every job,” says Mrs. Javorina. “We work efficiently, carefully and respectfully to complete projects on schedule.”

American Window Systems emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction—approximately 80 percent of the company’s work comes from referrals, and Mrs. Javorina says it’s enjoyed a complaint-free streak on its contractor’s license of more than 35 years. “Our success is based on three factors: quality service, superior products and competitive prices.”

Company Philosophy

“We don't believe in using high-pressure sales tactics. Our initial estimates are competitive and fair; we won't start with an inflated price and try to coerce business by offering discounts. We respect our clients and take care of their needs throughout the entirety of their projects.”

Comparative Summary

Few window companies earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality. Fewer still can claim an owner who’s been installing windows for nearly 50 years, but that’s exactly the case for American Window Systems, Inc. “Our biggest advantage is our experience,” confirms Roberta Javorina, who owns the company with her husband, Tom. “In addition to Tom’s five decades in the industry, our two installers have 45 years of combined experience. We don’t use subcontractors, so our customers know their installations will be handled by someone who knows the job inside and out.”

American Window Systems has been selling and installing replacement windows throughout the Greater Bay Area since 1992. The family-owned and operated company has experience with all types of windows, including products from leading manufacturers like Simonton, Cascade, Milgard and Andersen. “Our salespeople are very knowledgeable,” says Mrs. Javorina. “We don’t engage in high-pressure sales tactics or start with inflated prices and then negotiate down. We quote fair prices from the start.”

Unlike window companies that place more importance on their subcontractors’ availabilities than their customers’ schedules, American Window Systems takes a straightforward, detailed approach to every project. Once a client contacts the firm, it sets up an appointment to measure the home or business and help select the type, brand and model of windows to be installed. “Often, we can provide a price quote right then and there,” says Mrs. Javorina. “After the contract is signed, we order the windows and set an installation date. Our clients really appreciate such a streamlined process.”

Another distinguishing feature of American Window Systems is its ability to quickly complete window installations. Most jobs take less than one day to finish, and the company provides long-term warranties for both labor and materials. “We always offer at least a five-year warranty, but it’s usually longer, depending on the brand,” says Mrs. Javorina. “With Simonton windows, for example, we provide a lifetime warranty.”

Industry Info

Choose the right type of window for your particular environment and house style. Generally, it’s a good idea to rely on a professional recommendation when choosing a window style for your house, but it’s worthwhile to note that some window designs are inherently more efficient than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

Vinyl
Vinyl frames are typically the least expensive and virtually maintenance-free. They’re only available in light colors, though, because dark colors absorb too much heat from the sun and warp the frame.

Wood
A popular choice for aesthetic reasons, wood frames are typically only a little more expensive than vinyl, but they require diligent maintenance in order to prevent rot. They’re available in many species of wood and can be stained to match any existing décor.

Fiberglass/composite Fiberglass frames are more expensive than wood or vinyl, but they’re also more durable. They require virtually no maintenance and can be painted any color (faux wood grains are also available).

Aluminum-clad
Aluminum frames are typically the most expensive, but they’re also maintenance-free and can take almost any color. They may not be suitable for coastal environments where saltwater is a concern.

Double-hungThese are traditional units in many homes across the United States, and they’re especially common in pre-war buildings. With double-hung windows, the bottoms slide up to open the units. They can be efficient choices, but they also have the potential to allow air intrusion between the sliders.

Casement Popular in climates where wind is an issue, casements actually seal themselves off tighter when wind blows in toward the house. They require maintenance on hinges and seals to ensure their continued stability and efficiency.

Don’t overlook the importance of proper installation. Even the most expensive window unit won’t perform effectively if it’s not installed correctly. Be wary of any contractor who relies too heavily on expanding foams or sealants to get a window to fit—these materials aren’t waterproof and can lead to problems down the road. Pre-installation waterproofing, often completed long before the windows are installed, is the best option.

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, your first guide should be the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. The NFRC is a nonprofit organization that provides homeowners and contractors with a standardized, unbiased method for comparing different brands and types of windows. The label will tell you a window’s U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmittance:

• U-factor is a measurement of the window’s rate of non-solar heat loss or gain. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s insulating value.
• SHGC is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight. The lower a window’s SHGC, the greater its shading ability.
• Visible light transmittance is the percentage of visible light that’s transmitted through glass. The higher the number, the more light the window admits.

A: A typical home that has existing single-pane windows can usually be done in one day.

Q: Who will install my windows?

A: We employ our own full-time installers. We don’t use subcontractors, so if you have any problems with your installation, you deal directly with us.

Q: What is low-E coating?

A: Low-E coating is a virtually invisible coating of metal and metallic oxides that’s applied to glass. Low-E coatings provide year-round savings by reflecting sunlight and keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Q: Do you completely remove my old windows?

A: No. With replacement/retrofit windows, the outer perimeter frames of the old windows are left in place. The new replacement windows then fit over the top of the old frames and are sealed shut. By doing this, we ensure the exterior of your home isn’t damaged and there’s no patchwork to do on the stucco or wood siding. This can save thousands of dollars on the installation.

Q: Why do some companies remove the frame completely?

A: For a while, many companies were removing frames and installing replacement windows. That’s a problematic practice, because instead of being sealed to the old window frame, the replacement window is sealed to the home’s exterior. Since stucco and other sidings aren’t completely waterproof, this creates problems with sealing the window and preventing leaks. Because of this, we don’t recommend removing the old frames when installing a replacement window. If your dealer or contractor suggests using this method, look to somebody else.

Q: What kind of warranties do you offer?

A: We offer a fully transferable five-year warranty on all our workmanship. In addition, all the products we carry offer lifetime manufacturers’ warranties on any defects. Our higher-quality windows, like Simonton, carry transferrable lifetime warranties.

Q: Do I have any other installations options?

A: Yes. We can also install ‘nail-on’ windows, which are found in most newly built homes. To remove the old windows and install nail-on windows, we cut back the exterior stucco or siding of the home; remove the old window; install the new window using nails, flashing and caulk; and patch up the stucco or siding. Since this installation process is much more labor intensive, it’s considerably more expensive.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Kyle Unciano

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Kyle Unciano is sales manager at American Window Systems, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2010. He can be reached at (707) 879-8946 or by email.

Kyle Unciano: A Window of Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

NAPA — Kyle Unciano was in between jobs, contemplating his next move, when he happened upon a window of opportunity. “I had worked in fine dining for years and came to a point where I needed a change,” he remembers. “Around that time, my grandparents needed some extra help in the office at the family business, American Window Systems. They started the business in 1992 and have kept it in the family ever since—in fact, my brother is one of their lead installers. I started working in the office part-time, and from there I moved up to sales manager.”

Today, Kyle says his favorite part of his job is the architectural aspects. “I’ve always appreciated architecture. Growing up around the family business, whenever I’d look at a home, my eyes would automatically go to the windows and doors. Now that I work here, I really enjoy being involved in the process of window design and installation. During the last few years, we’ve moved into doing high-end, custom window products, which interests me very much.”

A resident of Napa, Kyle spends his time outside of work on a variety of hobbies and pastimes. “As someone who worked in fine dining for years, I enjoy going out to eat at restaurants and going winetasting,” he details. “When I get the chance, I also enjoy traveling, as well as going on fishing and camping trips with my friends.”

In his life and career, Kyle believes in the importance of dealing honestly and fairly with others. “That’s something my brother and I learned from our grandparents,” he says. “Growing up, we spent a lot of time with them and observed how they interacted with their customers. They always treated customers with honesty and respect, and that left an impression—not just on us, but on the customers as well. In fact, we still get calls from customers my grandparents served 20 years ago who remember the great service they received. That has been a huge influence on the way my brother and I handle customer interactions today.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Kyle says he’d see the world. “I’d probably take off and do some traveling. Maybe I’d take a tour through Southeast Asia or head to Greece and travel around the Balkans. One thing’s for sure, there are plenty of places I’d like to see.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 15, I worked at a pottery studio. I ended up basically running the place for the owner.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Antique gumball machines. My grandfather started collecting them a while back and I kind of took over for him.

Expert articles

Replacing Windows in Stucco Homes

By Kyle Unciano of American Window Systems, Inc.

NAPA — When it comes to replacing residential windows, there are two different methods in use: new construction and retrofit. With the new construction method, the windows and frames are completely removed and replaced, a process that requires disrupting sections of the home exterior. With the retrofit method, the window glass and other components are retrofitted into the existing frames, which allows the home exterior to remain undisturbed.

The main factor to consider when choosing a replacement option is the character of your home exterior. For homes with wood siding exteriors, new construction can be a good option, as the new window frames will hide any imperfections caused by removing sections of the siding. For stucco homes, on the other hand, retrofitting is the best option. Installing new construction windows on a stucco house requires large sections of stucco to be removed around each window. After the windows are installed, these sections need to be patched with new stucco, and additional interior sheetrock work may also be necessary. Furthermore, since the new stucco wouldn’t match the existing stucco exterior, you’d likely need to repaint your entire house just to make it look right.

For these reasons, retrofitting is a much more practical and economical option for replacing windows in a stucco home. The only noticeable difference with a retrofit window is the loss of roughly one-quarter to one-half of an inch on the window’s width and height. However, that’s a small price to pay to avoid a lot of extra stucco, sheetrock and painting work.

Michael Unciano: If you are looking to get windows and doors replaced in your house, and your home predates 1978, you might want to be concerned of the lead paint. It can be very harmful to you and your family in your residence. Should there be lead paint found, then there will be extra steps in order to remediate that.

American Window Systems, Inc.

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Diamond Certified RATINGS ON American Window Systems, Inc.

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

American Window Systems, Inc.

250 SURVEYS

RATING

9 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEApril 2010CERT1635

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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Customer LOYALTY
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Helpful Expertise
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Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 250 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
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American Window Systems, Inc.:
Average 9.3 out of 10 based on 250 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Charles H.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

1
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're an excellent supplier for windows and doors. Their pricing is fair, they're prompt, and they're efficient.

They did a spectacular job. They were very customer service-oriented and personable. The quality of their product is top-of-the-line.

Vic C.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

2
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're great. They showed us several options and walked us through everything.

After initially reaching out to them, they came out the very next day to get things moving along. They finished the job on time, and they cleaned up very well.

Amy K.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

3
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It was fair price for a good job, Very reliable workers and good quality.

I guess the good customer service. They were responsive and followed through on what they said they were going to do.

Shelley B.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

4
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

That they should use American Window Systems

Customer service

Gloria B.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

5
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Whenever we have a problem, there is never any problem getting a hold of somebody to come over and evaluate and find a solution and the quality of the windows is excellent.

I think, their service.

Cathy B.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

6
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would use them again.

They were very helpful and they did a good job.

Robert D.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

7
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Don't hesitate and go ahead and buy your windows from them.

They did what they said they would do when they said they would do it.

Barbara E.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

8
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Just that they are very professional and they care what they are doing.

They were here when they said they would be here and they did an excellent job.

Mik-chael F.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

9
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I am very pleased with them and they came in and they did a good job and they were clean and everything was fine.

The product is very good and everything was just terrific.

Judy G.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

10
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were really concerned about getting it right and having a good outcome.

Basically, the woman who came out was really personable and had all her stuff.

Kevin M.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

11
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The windows are high quality and they were professional installers.

The windows are phenomenal and in addition to being professional, they were respectful of things in the house.

Kathleen P.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

12
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were on time, courteous and they kept the place clean and they did it in one day.

That they were polite, and they were on time and they did what they said they were going to do and they showed up when they said they were going to show up.

David R.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

13
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They know what they are doing, they are responsive, and I like the quality of the skylights and windows.

They did it on time and they put them in when they said they were going to put them in. A couple of surprises popped up after they were done and they came right out and fixed it.

Helen S.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

14
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It was reasonable.

They kept in total contact with me and we were on a timeline and it just didn't happen, but I did get apologies over and over.

Leif T.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

15
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

That they are fast, clean and affordable

I really liked the quality of the windows and we had no hesitation with going with them.

Donna V.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

16
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I don't know.

We enjoyed working with our sales woman and we also had someone help us engineer a particularly difficult window.

Gary W.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

17
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Affordable and professional

Once you make the phone call, it was painless. They showed up when they said they were going to and they put them in and that was it.

Greg Y.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

18
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were easy to work with and they showed up on time.

The price was alright.

O. T. M.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

19
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were timely, did an excellent job, and they were tidy about the work they did. They didn't leave any messes and they did a good job.

The quality of the windows and the quality of the employees.

A. R.

VERIFIED American Window Systems, Inc. CUSTOMER

20
of
250

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

That they are terrific

They are like us and they are efficient and they are very thorough and very conscientious.